Monday, March 13, 2017

We're supposed to have a snowstorm here in New Hampshire tomorrow, and with a potential accumulation of 14-18 inches of snow, I can't think of a better time for a little spring stitching!!

These wooden buttons were the inspiration for this sweet project:

I saw them online when I was ordering some homespun fabric from Jubilee Fabric (jubileefabric.com) and I couldn't resist. They're tiny—only 3/8"—but perfect for scattering across a background.

Back to the project! First off, you can find the pattern for this little stitchery here. The finished project measures about 5" square, but start with a larger background square (8" or so) so you can comfortably use an embroidery hoop. You can trim the background square later if you like.

After tracing the pattern onto the background square using a light box and a water-soluble marking pen, I used size 8 perle cotton and a wrapped backstitch to stitch the "Bloom" and the big flower stem. For the rest of the lettering and the little flower stems, I used two strands of embroidery floss and a backstitch—lazy daisies for the little flower leaves. I appliquéd the felted wool flower and leaves using a single strand of embroidery floss and a whipstitch. And finally, I used six strands of floss to stitch down the little buttons, making an "x" pattern in their centers.

I went back and forth about how to finish this project. I thought about making it a little quilt with a loop that could be hung on a door knob or hook, kind of like this project that I made last November :

I also thought about adding a patchwork border and finishing it as a small pillow, but ultimately I decided to frame it. To do so, I layered it with a thin piece of batting (flannel would also work), wrapped it around the glass that came with the frame, and inserted it into the frame. Fast and finished!!